India International Trade Fair draws over 18 lakh visitors as 44th edition closes

The 14-day India International Trade Fair (IITF) concluded on Thursday with over 18 lakh visitors, according to the commerce ministry, as the 44th edition closed with its award presentation ceremony at Bharat Mandapam.

The awards were presented by ITPO Managing Director Dr Neeraj Kharwal, who said the fair saw participation from a wide range of sectors. “The 14-day fair witnessed broad participation from diverse sectors and recorded over 18 lakh visitors,” he said, adding that the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” was reflected through displays ranging from technology and infrastructure to agricultural and eco-friendly innovations. He invited suggestions to improve future editions.

Lt Col Harsh Kondilya, in his welcome address, said participants had reported “encouraging business outcomes” during this year’s fair. He congratulated winners across categories and thanked exhibitors and visitors for their continued support.

State and Partner State Awards

In the partner state category, Rajasthan won the Gold Medal, Bihar secured the Silver Medal and Uttar Pradesh received the Bronze Medal. Maharashtra received a Special Commendation.

In the focus state category, Jharkhand received the Gold Medal.

Among states and union territories, Odisha won the Gold Medal, Madhya Pradesh received the Silver Medal and Puducherry received the Bronze Medal. Delhi, Goa and Karnataka received commendation certificates.

For thematic presentations by states, Meghalaya received the Gold Medal, Kerala the Silver Medal and Andhra Pradesh the Bronze Medal. Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura received commendations.

Swachh Pavilion Awards

Under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan activities, Haryana won the Gold Medal, Punjab the Silver Medal and Assam the Bronze Medal.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Uttarakhand and Tamil Nadu received commendations.

Foreign Pavilion Awards

In the foreign pavilions category, Thailand won the Gold Medal, Iran received the Silver Medal and Dubai received the Bronze Medal. Special commendations went to the Republic of Korea, Turkey and the Tibetan Chamber of Commerce.

Ministries, Departments and PSUs

In the ministries and government departments category, the Ministry of Defence received the Gold Medal, followed by the Ministry of Mines with Silver and the Ministry of Railways with Bronze.

Special commendations went to the Ministry of Ayush, Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Rural Development (SARAS Ajeevika Mela).

In the ministries, PSUs and PSBs category, the Airports Authority of India won the Gold Medal, the National e-Governance Division received the Silver Medal and the Food Corporation of India received the Bronze Medal. Special commendations went to the Ministry of Textiles, State Bank of India and LIC.

Commodity Boards and Communication

The Tea Board India won the Gold Medal in the commodity boards category, the Spice Board India received the Silver Medal and the Coir Board secured the Bronze Medal.

The National Turmeric Board, Coconut Development Board and National Jute Board received commendations.

In public communication and outreach, the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services won the Gold Medal, followed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with Silver and the Central Board of Direct Taxes with Bronze.

Commendations went to the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, SEBI and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Empowering India, Private Sector and Food

In the Empowering India category, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare won the Gold Medal, the Ministry of MSME received the Silver Medal and NBCC (India) Ltd received the Bronze Medal. Special commendations were awarded to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Coal India Ltd. and NAFED.

In the private sector category, RDM Care (AYUR) won the Gold Medal, Dairy India Pvt. Ltd. (Ananda) received the Silver Medal, and United Ekta Engineering Udyog Pvt Ltd and Mittal

Electronics (Sujata) received the Bronze Medal. Special commendations went to Juhi Arts, Kuber Essentials, Pansari Industries, Romana Herbalcare and Shree Shyam Til Patti.

In the food stalls category, Bansal Food and Beverages won the Gold Medal, Rohilya Food Pvt. Ltd. received the Silver Medal and Daana Pani won the Bronze Medal. Special commendations went to Vinayak Enterprises – Saada Punjab and Mother Dairy.

In the vending points category, Daana Pani received the Gold Medal, Gath Bandhan Farms the Silver Medal and Bansal Foods and Beverages the Bronze Medal.

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Airports Authority of India Chairman Vinay Kumar, ITPO Executive Director Premjit Lal, OSD Lt Col Harsh Kondilya and ITPO General Manager SN Bharti.

(With inputs from agencies)